Airlines overbook almost every flight. That means if you’re not in that line, you have a good chance of getting booted off the flight. It has happened to me a couple times.
They normally give you a voucher to compensate you for the trouble that can be used on a future flight. They will typically try to rebook you (at no cost) the same day if they can arrange it.
They will usually announce that they are overbooked and ask over the local section intercom if anyone is willing to take the next flight. You can actually get cash out of it if nobody else wants to go later, sometimes more than you paid for your ticket. Plus a free ticket for the next flight.
If you’re not lined up (or late) and the plane is already full, then they can’t seat you and you’ll have to take a later flight by default.
Airlines overbook almost every flight. That means if you’re not in that line, you have a good chance of getting booted off the flight. It has happened to me a couple times.
They normally give you a voucher to compensate you for the trouble that can be used on a future flight. They will typically try to rebook you (at no cost) the same day if they can arrange it.
You must be American
Can you tell us which airline you are talking about? Never been booted out of anything.
They will usually announce that they are overbooked and ask over the local section intercom if anyone is willing to take the next flight. You can actually get cash out of it if nobody else wants to go later, sometimes more than you paid for your ticket. Plus a free ticket for the next flight.
If you’re not lined up (or late) and the plane is already full, then they can’t seat you and you’ll have to take a later flight by default.
https://wanderwisdom.com/transportation/why-do-airlines-always-overbook-their-flight
United